There is no doubt that competition among tooth-whitening products is fierce. But which is the best, and do they work at all? Every consumer who has gone looking for a pearl-white smile has run into this question. Which product is best? Is it worth the money? Here are a few interesting facts to think about.
Some offer no more than an optical illusion. Whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter strips containing the chemical blue covarine create an optical effect that can make teeth look less yellow. They achieve this by adhering to the surface of the teeth. The toothpaste cannot, however, actually change the colour of the teeth.
In the end you will see a whiter smile — but who has six weeks to wait? Used twice a day, a standard whitening toothpaste can take two to six weeks to make the teeth look whiter.
Be careful not to damage your enamel. Although whitening toothpaste is generally safe for daily use, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Overusing it can damage your enamel over time.
Your own habits are probably the biggest factor. Your results will depend on the food you eat and the other health habits you keep — whichever product you use.
